Neck protector

ABSTRACT

Formed by a rear shield ( 100 ), which rests on the shoulders and the upper part of the back, and two front shields ( 251 ) ( 252 ), which rest on the upper front part of the torso, one on each side of the neck. Said front shields ( 251 ) ( 252 ) are joined to the rear one ( 100 ) by means of articulation, for example hinges ( 301 ) ( 302 ), whose axes of rotation are oriented upwards, towards the rear and towards the centre, in such a way that their point of intersection (0 1 ) is located above and behind them. 
     Both the front shields ( 251 ) ( 252 ) and the rear one ( 100 ) can be fixed to the garment via union zones, and thanks to the special orientation of the axes of the hinges ( 301 ) ( 302 ), it is possible for the neck protector ( 001 ) to be put on and taken off together with any garment. 
     The configuration of the protector permits a rapid fastening device to be incorporated for the various elements, along with a system of adjustment to different sizes.

OBJECT AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for neck protection, for anyone subject to risk of injury and in particular for motorcyclists. It concerns a system that is easily integrated into one's clothing which, used in conjunction with a helmet, reduces the risk of neck injuries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of various neck protection devices is becoming more and more widespread in different sports activities, such as motorcycle racing; this is mainly due to the protection it provides for a part of the body that is fairly vulnerable.

The mode of protection provided by these devices is based on restricting extreme movements of the head, which would otherwise cause damage to the neck, both forwards (flexion) and backwards (extension), as well as to the sides.

These exist different types of neck protectors; on the one hand the most basic ones are those consisting of foam surrounding the neck. The documents U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,517 and WO 02089620 can be cited as an example of this, among others.

These describe foam that is placed around the neck and restrict the movement of the helmet to a greater or lesser degree. In order to position them, they have a front opening that is closed by means of a strap joined to one of the ends of the foam and secured to the other end by means of Velcro type unions.

The main drawback of these protectors is that in some cases they can fit too tightly to the neck, which means that they are usually uncomfortable, and in other cases they do not stay in the optimum position for restricting the movement of the helmet, with the consequent loss of effectiveness in the protection to provide.

On the other hand, we have protectors that comprise a rigid structure on which the helmet rests, which extends down the back and chest, ensuring an optimum position with respect to the neck and improving the distribution of stresses. Along these lines we have clear examples in the devices described in documents WO 2005051251 and WO 2008105010.

So, document WO 2005051251 describes a device consisting of a ring placed around the neck, formed by two pieces which are joined by the sides, and a support, joined to the rear piece of the ring, which extends down the back of the user. The device described guarantees greater stability, though it is complicated to put on and take off owing to the fact that it has its closures on the sides; it does not easily integrate with the user's clothing and is bulky, making it difficult to transport and store. Also, the support area on the back is not completely covered with foam and can become embedded in the spinal column, possibly causing damage to it.

In terms of document WO 2008105010, it describes a similar device, consisting of a ring formed by two arms joined in articulated fashion by a vertical shaft in the rear part with an opening in the front part, and a support which extends from the ring on the upper area of the user's back. A second shaft, horizontal and parallel to the user's shoulders, permits the angle to be varied between the ring formed by the two arms and the rear support. The design of this device facilitates its fitting, since it opens and closes via the front, and also its transportation and storage, since the different parts it comprises are easy to take apart, but it presents serious drawbacks; among them, the fact that although it would allow conventional clothing to be worn, open in the middle, it would only be able to be joined to the collar in the area of the rear protector due to the vertical shaft, and the fact that the opening system cannot incorporate any mechanism at all for adjusting to different sizes of user.

Finally, there exist devices in which the structure constituting the collar is joined to the helmet or is incorporated into a specific garment.

So, document WO 2005079614 describes a protection device for motorcyclists comprising a helmet and a collar that are joined together behind the neck, by means of a mechanism that permits free movement of the head without exceeding the limits starting from which there exists a risk of serious neck injury. The collar comprises two arms articulated about a central part. Among the main drawbacks of this device is the fact that it cannot be used with any commercial helmet, since the helmet and collar are joined together, and the way it rests on the user's chest is deficient due, among other reasons, to the absence of a support extending down the back.

On the contrary to the above device, in document WO 2008/050303 the collar, instead of being attached to the helmet, is incorporated into the motorcyclist's suit. The collar, which comes in two parts, is separated by a union line, which extends in a side opening presented by the suit for this purpose.

None of the devices described here can be put on and taken off together with the user's garment, and they need to be placed in position either before or after putting on the garment (jacket, suit, shirt, etc.).

Consequently, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a neck protector that will allow easy and rapid integration into the user's garment.

Another objective of this invention is to provide a neck protector that can be put on and taken off together with the user's garment.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a neck protector that will permit the protector to be adjusted to different sizes, in a way that is simple and without any need to change pieces.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With the aim of complying with the stated objectives, a neck protector has been conceived consisting of a rear shield, which rests on the shoulders and the upper part of the back, and two front shields, which rest on the upper front part of the torso, one on each side of the neck. Said front shields are joined to the rear one by virtue of certain means of articulation whose axes of rotation are oriented upwards, towards the rear and towards the centre, in such a way that their point of intersection is located above and behind them. These means of articulation can be materialized in various different ways. In a first variant they can consist of two rigid hinges. In a second variant, the means of articulation can be deformable and consist of a simple flexible sheet, for example a sheet of rubber or textile belt. In this case, the axes of rotation are not fixed but instead admit a certain clearance in the space, which facilitates even more the handling of the device.

The basis of the invention lies in the axes of rotation of the means of articulation in some way following the natural line of the shoulders.

Both the front shields and the rear one can be fixed to the garment via zones with a Velcro type union, or other rapid attachment system.

In turn, and thanks to the special orientation of the axes of the hinges articulating the rear shields and the front ones, it is possible for the neck protector to be put on and taken off together with the garment.

The front and rear shields comprising the neck protector are advantageously constructed on the basis of a rigid frame and a deformable covering, foam type, responsible for cushioning the contact between the helmet and the protector, and between the latter and the chest.

Provision is made for the possibility of incorporating specific protections that envelope the rear frame, both in the upper zone, in order to cushion possible blows between the rider and the a pillion passenger, and in the lower zone, in order to prevent possible damage to the spinal column of the user in the event of the lower part of that frame becoming embedded in his or her back.

The two front shields can be separated from each other in the area of the chest, at a distance such that allows the zip of a garment to be raised, which makes it possible to have rapid access to the inside of it. This arrangement also allows for greater ventilation.

Optionally, it has a system of joining the two front shields, consisting of a slide fitted to one of them and which, in the extended position, hooks up with a latch located in the other front shield.

With the aim of facilitating its storage and transportation, a rapid fastening system can be incorporated between the front and rear shields, which will allow the three parts of the neck protector to be separated from each other.

Optionally, a guide-slide system can be incorporated with various locking positions, allowing the neck protector to be adjusted to different sizes of user, without having to change pieces.

The advantages of the inventive neck protector are numerous:

-   -   It restricts, by means of progressive braking, extreme movements         of the head that could cause damage to the neck.     -   It allows easy integration of the protector with the user's         garment.     -   It allows the protector to be put on and taken off together with         the garment.     -   It allows rapid access to the inside of the garment.     -   It favours ventilation.     -   It facilitates its rapid and safe removal following an accident;         for example, in the event that the user has to remain         immobilized.     -   It cushions blows between the user and a possible pillion         passenger.     -   It prevents the appearance of damage to the spinal column caused         by the application of forces in localized zones.     -   The protector is easily adjusted to different sizes.     -   It minimizes the space that it takes up when not being worn,         making it easier to store.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to complement the foregoing description and with the aim of aiding a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a detailed description is going to be given of a preferred embodiment on the basis of a set of drawings accompanying this descriptive specification and in which, by way of a guideline and without being limiting, the following has been represented.

FIG. 1 shows two situations of use in which the neck protector is attached to a jacket, the first in the closed position and the second in which it is being taken off together with the jacket to which it is attached.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the device from the front.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the device from the rear.

FIG. 4 shows a lateral view of the device with the front shields closed.

FIG. 5 shows a lateral view of the device with the front shields open.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the rapid fastening mechanisms, hinge and size adjustment.

FIG. 7 shows an upper view of the device.

FIG. 8 shows a lower view of the device.

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the device with the front shields opened.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the device from the front, and a detail of the front closing system.

In the above figures, the numerical references correspond to the following parts and elements:

-   -   001. Neck protector.     -   100. Rear shield.     -   101. Rear frame.     -   102. Rear deformable covering.     -   111. Rear union zone.     -   112. Middle union zone.     -   121. Upper protection.     -   122. Lower protection.     -   201. Left front frame.     -   202. Right front frame.     -   203. Left front deformable covering.     -   204. Right front deformable covering.     -   211. Left front union zone.     -   212. Right front union zone.     -   251. Left front shield.     -   252. Right front shield.     -   301. Left hinge.     -   302. Right hinge.     -   309. Left rod.     -   310. Right rod.     -   311. Left housing.     -   312. Right housing.     -   313. Left locking guide screw.     -   314. Right locking guide screw.     -   315. Left locking guide nut.     -   316. Right locking guide nut.     -   317. Left lateral guide.     -   318. Right lateral guide.     -   401. Latch support.     -   405. Front closure for latch.     -   412. Slide box.     -   416. Front closure for slide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The figures show an embodiment of the inventive neck protector (001) which comprises a rear shield (100), which rests on the shoulders and the upper part of the user's back, and two front shields (251) (252), which rest on the upper front part of the torso.

The rear shield (100) comprises a rigid rear frame (101) and a rear deformable covering (102). And it has an opening in the support zone on the back for improving ventilation and reducing the weight.

The left front shield (251) comprises a left front frame (201) and a left front deformable covering (203).

The right front shield (252) likewise comprises a right front frame (202) and a right front deformable covering (204).

The deformable covering (102) (203) (204) of all the parts described comprises a visco-elastic foam sensitive to the rate of deformation, responsible for providing comfort for the user and absorbing energy in the event of accident, providing programmed braking for the impact of the helmet with the neck protector (001), and the latter with the neck of the user. In this way, the biomechanical values of the damage are reduced, such as the rotational acceleration of the head.

On the rear frame (101), specific zones of foam have been introduced (see FIG. 3) which cover it in order to constitute an upper protection (121), with the aim of cushioning possible blows between the rider and a passenger riding pillion, and a lower protection (122), in order to prevent possible damage to the spinal column of the user, by minimizing the local forces that could be transmitted to the spine.

In order to put on and take off the neck protector (001), hinges (301) (302) have been provided which articulate the front shields (251) (252) with respect to the rear shield (100), whose axes of rotation are orientated upwards, towards the rear and towards the centre, in such a way that its point of intersection (O₁) is located above and behind them. In this way, the front shields (251) (252) open towards the sides and upwards. See FIGS. 5 and 9.

The front shields (251) (252) are joined to the rear shield (100) by means of a rapid fastening system, which allows the three parts of the neck protector (001) to be easily separated from each other, making it possible on the one hand for it to require little storage space, and on the other, to allow for rapid and safe removal following an accident.

Said fastening system consists of some housings (311) (312) provided in the rear shield (100) and separate forks integral with the hinges (301) (302) (shown in FIG. 6) which, when introduced into those housings (311) (312), become fastened to them.

In the contact surface with the user's body, some union zones (111) (112) (211) (212) have been provided in which union systems of the Velcro type, or other rapid attachment systems, are included for fixing the neck protector (001) to the garment of the user (jacket, suit, sweatshirt, etc.). See FIG. 8.

These union zones are also useful for incorporating a possible system of straps and thus secure the neck protector (001) to the user's chest, in the event that it is not directly fixed to the garment.

By fixing the neck protector (001) to the user's garment as described above, and thanks to the kinematics of the opening system, the user will be able to put on and take off the neck protector (001) together with a jacket or similar, with the two pieces remaining attached to each other at all times.

With the neck protector (001) in the closed position (see FIG. 8), the front shields (251) (252) can be separated in the front zone by a distance such that allows the raising or lowering of the zip of a jacket, suit or any other garment placed under the neck protector (001). This arrangement also permits greater ventilation.

The collar forming the protector around the neck can be closed in order to provide it with the necessary stability, in two different ways:

-   -   a) If the neck protector (001) is joined to the user's garment         (jacket, suit, etc.) as previously stated (Velcro or similar         type unions), then the same zip or closure system for the         garment serves as the closure element for the protector.     -   b) Via a union system included in the front part of the front         shields (251) (252) which, in the open position, do not         interfere in the possible space existing between them. This         system can in addition be used even if the neck protector (001)         is attached to the garment and the closure system for it (zip,         etc.) is used.

Said union system between the front shields (251) (252) is shown in FIG. 10 and consists of:

-   -   A slide (416) which slides along a box (412) fixed to one of the         two front shields (252) or (251). This mechanism possesses an         elastic system, such a spring for example, which produces a         force that tends to pull the slide (416) towards the interior of         the box (412).     -   A latch (405), mobile on a support (401) integral with the other         front shield (251) or (252), which retains the slide (416) when         the latter slides until reaching the latch (405). The latter         also possesses an elastic system, such a spring for example,         which produces a force that tends to keep it in the closed         position.

The movements to be carried out for closing and releasing of this union device are simple and operate in a single direction.

With the aim of adapting the neck protector (001) to different sizes, provided on each side of it is a guide-slide system, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and in detail in FIG. 6, with its corresponding locking mechanism consisting of:

-   -   A locking screw (313) (314), housed in the lateral guides (317)         (318) integral with the front shields (251) (252), which has its         linear movement restricted along its axis and which possesses         stops for limiting the range of rotation.     -   A locking nut (315) (316), likewise housed in the lateral guides         (317) (318) and threaded on the locking screw (313) (314); and         which has its rotation movement restricted but can be displaced         linearly.     -   A rod (309) (310) which slides via the lateral guides (317)         (318) and which presents several holes into which the locking         nut (315) (316) can be introduced. It can also contain one or         more stops at their end in order to prevent it exiting from the         lateral guide (317) (318) when the locking nut (315) (316) is         outside the holes of the rod (309) (310).

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the ease with which the neck protector forming the object of the invention can be removed. It can be seen that, thanks to its special configuration, it easily follows the movement of the item of clothing, as if it formed a single body with the neck thereof. It is interesting to note that, even if the collar and garment are not joined, the latter can be opened and its interior be accessed by gently pulling on the collar without removing it.

It has not been considered necessary to provide a more detailed explanation of certain mechanical solutions which will in general be familiar to an expert in the field.

In the figures that accompany the description of the preferred embodiment that has just been described various elements have been represented, such as windows for reduction of weight and variations in the thickness of the deformable coverings, that are not regarded as necessary to be explained in detail since they are more than familiar in the prior art.

It will likewise be evident to an expert in the field that there is a series of variants and modifications that will allow the design to be adapted to the available means of production, while still respecting the essential nature of the invention. 

1. Neck protector (001), characterized by comprising: a rear shield (100), which rests on the shoulders and the upper part of the back, two front shields (251) (252), which rest on upper front part of the user's torso, one on each side of the neck, means of articulation of the front shields (251) (252) to the rear shield (100), whose axes of rotation are orientated upwards, towards the rear and towards the centre, in such a way that their point of intersection (O₁) is located above and behind them.
 2. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means of articulation consist of hinges (301) (302).
 3. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means of articulation consist of deformable elements.
 4. Neck protector (001) according to claim 3, characterized in that the deformable elements consist of flexible sheets.
 5. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shields (100) (251) (252) consist of a rigid frame (101) (201) (202), and a deformable covering (102) (203) (204).
 6. Neck protector (001) according to claim 5, characterized in that the deformable covering (102) (203) (204) consists of a visco-elastic foam sensitive to the rate of deformation.
 7. Neck protector (001) according to claim 6, characterized by comprising an upper protection (121) covering the rear frame (101).
 8. Neck protector (001) according to claim 6, characterized by comprising a lower protection (122) covering the rear frame (101).
 9. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact surface with the body, both of the rear shield (100) and of the front shields (251) (252), includes various union zones (111) (112) (211) (212) for attachment to the user's garment.
 10. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the closed position the two front shields (251) (252) present a separation in their front zone.
 11. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized by including means of union of the two front shields (251) (252).
 12. Neck protector (001) according to claim 11, characterized in that the means of union of the two front shields (251) (252) consist of; a slide (416) which slides along a box (412) fixed to one of the two front shields (252) or (251), a latch (405), mobile on a support (401) integral with the other front shield (251) or (252), which retains the slide (416) when the latter slides until reaching the latch (405).
 13. Neck protector (001) according to claim 12, characterized in that the slide (416) incorporates an elastic element which produces a force which, after releasing the latch (405), pulls the slide (416) towards the interior of the box (412) containing it; in such a way that it does not interfere in the separation present between the front shields (252) (251).
 14. Neck protector (001) according to claim 12, characterized in that the latch (405) incorporates an elastic element which produces a force that tends to keep the latch (405) in the closed position.
 15. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising means of rapid fastening between the front shields (251) (252) and the rear shield (100).
 16. Neck protector (001) according to claim 15, characterized in that the means of rapid fastening consist of; two housings (311) (312) provided in the rear shield (100), separate forks integral with the hinges (301) (302), which, when introduced into the housings (311) (312), become fastened to them.
 17. Neck protector (001) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising means of adjustment to different sizes.
 18. Neck protector (001) according to claim 17, in which the means of adjustment to different sizes are implemented as guide-slides characterized by consisting of; a locking screw (313) (314), housed in lateral guides (317) (318) integral with the front shields (251) (252), which has its linear movement restricted along its axis and which possesses stops for limiting the range of rotation. a locking nut (315) (316), likewise housed in the lateral guides (317) (318) and threaded on the locking screw (313) (314), which has its rotation movement restricted but can be displaced linearly. a rod (309) (310) which slides via the lateral guides (317) (318) and which presents several holes into which the locking nut (315) (316) can be introduced.
 19. Neck protector (001) according to claim 18, characterized in that the rod (309) (310) presents at least one stop in its end; in such a way that prevents it exiting from the lateral guides (317) (318) when the locking nut (315) (316) is outside the holes of the rod (309) (310). 